Sheffield Wednesday: Owls turn down May approach

Dom Howson

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright has revealed they have given up hope of re-signing Owls striker Stevie May this summer.

Wright has confirmed he approached the Championship club about the possibility of recruiting May on loan for the 2015/16 season.

The Saints chief said he spoke to Wednesday advisor Glenn Roeder regarding May. Wright and Roeder are close pals, having previously worked together at Norwich.

But the Owls, who captured May in an £800,000 deal from the Perth club last August, have no intention of allowing the 22-year-old to return north of the border.

May found the back of the net 27 times for St Johnstone last term, playing a key role in their Scottish FA Cup success.

Although May has registered just seven goals in 43 outings, it is understood he remains a big part of Stuart Gray’s long-term plans.

Wright said: “I know Glenn [Roeder] who is going in working in an upstairs role so we have been kept informed of what is happening with Stevie.

“We threw our hat in the ring if Stevie was of a mind to come back north on loan but I think Stevie will be at Sheffield Wednesday next year.

“I think he started well there.

“We have spoken to them about the situation and have been told the manager wants to keep Stevie.

“He has had a reasonable first season in a very tough league and we are led to believe he is going to get opportunities next season.

“But we would not have been doing our jobs if we hadn’t been interested and looked at the situation.”

Aberdeen, sitting second in the Scottish Premier League, have also kept a close eye on May’s situation.

The forward was left out of the starting line-up for Wednesday’s final three matches and it is no secret Gray is seeking to freshen up the striking options at his disposal, meaning May get fewer opportunities to stake a claim for a regular starting spot.

Wright said: “Derek McInnes (Aberdeen manager) likes Stevie. He gave him his debut and Aberdeen are a big, resourceful club. I would imagine if Derek is looking to strengthen Stevie would be on his radar. He would be on the radar of a lot of clubs.”

However, McInnes said last night there is “nothing” in the reports claiming May is a transfer target.

He said: “From this point in the season and throughout the close season you are always going to be linked to players. We will speak about players if and when we get a deal done.”